Hardkernel ODROID-X runs Android with a quad core CPU for $129

Shane McGlaun, 13th July 2012

When the cheap little $35 Raspberry Pi went on sale, it seemed almost inevitable that the tech market would ultimately be deluged with similar Android or Linux powered devices.

One of the primary downsides to the Raspberry Pi for many is the relative lack of raw horsepower. Fortunately, a new Android dev board dubbed the Hardkernel ODROID-X recently surfaced online.

Thie bare-bones board offers significantly more performance than the Raspberry Pi can muster thanks to an integrated Samsung Exynos 4412 quad core-CPU. For those who are not in the know, this is a quad core ARM Cortex-A9 CPU. The developer board also features a Mali 400 GPU, 6 USB 2.0 ports, integrated Ethernet, mic/headphone port and a full-sized SDHC card slot for storage.

Optional accessories for the device include a Wi-Fi chip with antenna, LCD, Bluetooth, HDMI, a camera, and storage modules.

The developer board is clearly aimed at software and hardware developers, but there's no reason why you couldn't use it to make your own powerful and small computer.

The downside? The price. Whereas you can grab a slice of Pi for $35, the Hardkernel ODROID-X will set you back a cool $129, which still isn't all that bad. As noted above, the bare-bones board is designed to run Android and supports Ubuntu as well. Check out the videos to see the little developer board in action.